More progressive zoos like the North Carolina Zoo and Oakland Zoo phased out the use of bullhooks and fear-based management of elephants years ago.  Read this article from a keeper from the Oakland Zoo to learn more about why bullhooks are bad for elephants: The Oakland Zoo Improves the Lives of their Elephants, by Colleen Kinzley

PHILLY ZOO DIRECTOR VIK DEWAN CONDONES BULLHOOK USE!  WATCH THE VIDEO - Click HERE    Note: bullhook supporters rationalize bullhook use and claim they are like a "leash" or that they can be used "properly" or that it's like the extension of a keeper's "arm" or that it's like a mother elephant's "trunk."   All of these claims are ridiculous.   Bullhooks are rods with solid steel pointed ends (resembling a fireplace poker) which are specifically designed to inflict pain. If it were like a leash, it would look like a leash ... people's hands and elephant trunks are not made of steel. The claim that this weapon can be used positively is pure nonsense - the very nature of the bullhook is to dominate through fear and violence (i.e. get the elephant to fear the bullhook through violence). This is the only way it works - there are no "good" ways to use the bullhook .. which is why all sanctuaries forbid use of the bullhook and more than 50% of all zoos no longer use bullhooks. Only circuses and backward zoos and handlers still use this archaic and violent method of domination.